Metro to lower price of SmarTrip card to $2 in October

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Officials say Metro will reduce the price of new SmarTrip cards to $2 beginning October 1.

SmarTrip cards currently cost $5 with a $3 rebate when riders register the card online. Cards purchased at Metrorail stations cost $10, $5 for the card and $5 in fare value.

In October, riders will be able to purchase a SmarTrip card for $2 at any Metro Sales Office or commuter store. The rebate program will be discontinued.

At station dispensers, $10 will buy a card preloaded with $8 in fare value.

"The new lower price makes the cost of buying a SmarTrip
card equivalent to the $2 surcharge paid by anyone who takes a roundtrip using
a paper farecard," General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles said.

"We are
transitioning away from paper farecards as we prepare to introduce a new fare
system, and I would encourage everyone to make the switch to the faster, more
convenient and environmentally friendly SmarTrip card."